Thefts from vehicles prompts warning from Goffstown police

A rash of car break-ins and thefts is prompting police to warn residents to secure their vehicles.

Car thefts have more than doubled from this time last year, from two last year to five within the last month, according to Goffstown Police Captain Robert Browne.

“Five in a month is certainly a drastic change for us,” Browne said.

The most recent theft was that of a 2011 silver Honda Accord sedan from a driveway on Eden Street in the overnight hours of June 11.

Three of the previously stolen vehicles have been recovered, and police continue to investigate each incident.

In addition, Browne said the theft of items from motor vehicles is up by 158 percent, from 17 thefts last year to 44 so far this year.

The highest number of thefts has been in the Pinardville area, Browne said. Residents can help to reduce the number of thefts by taking simple precautions, he added, as several vehicles had keys left in them.

“These are total crimes of opportunity,” Browne said. “This is a reminder to lock and secure all doors.”

In a small town, Browne said, people are lulled into a false sense of security and should not leave any valuables or money inside a vehicle, and keep it locked at all times.

Police are investigating the remaining thefts and have a person of interest in one of them. Browne said alerts through Nixle and iNeighbor have been put out to residents to be on alert for any suspicious activity.

“We also know we need to put more patrol efforts in that area,” Browne said, and additional officers will patrol the area in cars, on bikes and on foot.

Police have asked residents to contact them if they see any suspicious activity in their neighborhood. Anyone with information concerning the vehicle thefts is asked to contact the Goffstown Police Department at 497-4858.